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ORP = Oxidation Reduction Potential - basically, and very basically, it is a measure of pollution in a body of water.
within a koi pond oxidation reactions occur as a result of the breakdown of water products. So the higher the ORP level the less polluted the water. Low ORP levels can be attributed to decaying organic matter, low dissolved oxygen, high nitrates or high DOC
ORP meters use mV as the measuring scale and have a minus and plus range
Readings below 150mV - big improvements are required to the filtration as the koi will be prone to health problems
Readings between 150 + 200 mV - potential for green water and slime algae is increased
Readings between 200 + 250 - potential for stringy algae and blanket weed increased
Readings between 250 + 400 - excellent water quality
Above 400 indicates the use of chemicals such as Pottassium Permanganate and are only advised for short term
It is important to remember the fluctuations in a pond such as temp, pH, nitrates all of which will effect the ORP reading and not to get hung up chasing values.
At best it is a good tool for the water keeper to indicate a failing or struggling filtration system (early warning system) or to ensure the correct dosing of ozone should you be using it
within a koi pond oxidation reactions occur as a result of the breakdown of water products. So the higher the ORP level the less polluted the water. Low ORP levels can be attributed to decaying organic matter, low dissolved oxygen, high nitrates or high DOC
ORP meters use mV as the measuring scale and have a minus and plus range
Readings below 150mV - big improvements are required to the filtration as the koi will be prone to health problems
Readings between 150 + 200 mV - potential for green water and slime algae is increased
Readings between 200 + 250 - potential for stringy algae and blanket weed increased
Readings between 250 + 400 - excellent water quality
Above 400 indicates the use of chemicals such as Pottassium Permanganate and are only advised for short term
It is important to remember the fluctuations in a pond such as temp, pH, nitrates all of which will effect the ORP reading and not to get hung up chasing values.
At best it is a good tool for the water keeper to indicate a failing or struggling filtration system (early warning system) or to ensure the correct dosing of ozone should you be using it